Origin of Christmas Traditions Over The Years
Over the years of Christmas we have all developed our own type of traditions, and memories. However, there are many things that have come to be symbols of the holiday. Whether it's Santa Clause himself, or the ginger bread do you know how these symbols came to be?
Up On The Rooftop….
In 1822 the poem Night Before Christmas was created by Clement Clarke Moore. In the poem we are brought to a slight insight into a man’s encounter of Santa Clause. It gave the idea of the jolly man Santa and the true idea began to form. Did you know that the jolly white bearded old man we all have come to know and love was created by Coca Cola? In 1931 he was created by Haddon Sundblom for an advertisement.
To many the story of Santa represents deep seated spiritual memories. However, there are many stories that it is believed the elf was created from. In Germany they believe that Odin, god of wisdom, would hunt through the skies with his eight legged horse, Sleipnir. Odin has many things attributing him to Mr. Clause. He is usually described as an old man with a long white beard. With this story many children would put their shoes outside their door for Odin to leave presents in. They would also leave out carrots and hay for his horse. This would eventually become leaving stocking at the fireplace.
Run Run As Fast As You Can….
Whether it's leaving gingerbread cookies out for Santa, or attempting to build the incredible houses that go with the cookie we’ve all had the treat in part with the holidays.Though the cookie is made as a reminder that no human is immortal. The gingerbread man serves as a reminder that humans were created. Along with the treat comes a tale of course! There are a few different origin tales, but here is the most well known:
“An old woman and her husband lived alone in a cabin buried deep in the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of the village.
The couple was lonely. With no children of their own, they were forced to live out their days and nights in solitude.It was on one of these nights that an idea occurred to the woman: She would make a boy out of gingerbread. If she couldn’t have a son, this was the next best thing.As she pulled her creation out of the oven, however, the boy (or “man,” as it is often called) jumped from the pan and fled the cabin.The woman and her husband chased after the humanoid dessert to no avail. As he ran, the gingerbread man happily sang a song.“Run, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me—I’m the gingerbread man! First, the man passed a cow “Mmmmyouuuuu look delicious,” said the cow.
“Run, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me—I’m the gingerbread man,” the man sang as he easily outran the cow.Next, he came upon an owl.
“Who...who...who are you? I’m very hungry,” the owl said.Again, the gingerbread man sang his song. Finally, he met a fox.The cookie was prepared to mock the cunning creature like he had his too-slow friends.But, to the gingerbread man’s surprise, the fox wasn’t interested.
“I don’t know what the cow and the owl are talking about,” the fox said. “You don’t look like you taste good at all.”The man stood in front of the animal in stunned silence.Before he could formulate a reply, though, the fox gobbled him up in one swift motion.” (The Gingerbread Man Story: Here's the History Behind the Fairy Tale | MyRecipes).
The tale is told to teach children to be wary of who they trust. Not everyone will have your best interest in mind.
The Mexican Flame Flower
The beautiful poinsettia is not associated with Christmas simply because of its gorgeous read coloring. The flower originated in Mexico and Central America. It is referred to as Euphorbia Pulcherrima or the most beautiful euphorbia; or even the painted leaf.
In the 16th century it’s said that a poor little girl wished to celebrate ‘The Holy Night’ but had nothing to bring. She went to the side of the road and picked some weeds. When she brought it into the church to present they turned into a beautiful bouquet of poinsettias. The flower became known as a symbol of purity thanks to it’s brilliant color. Aztecs believed that when the flower bloomed it would bring immortality for the lives lost in battles. However, thanks to the little girl it also received the name Flower of Holy Night.
Mistletoe
To some mistletoe is attributed to being werewolves weakness, to most its attributed to kissing under at Christmas. The plant is a symbol of power, peace, healing, rebirth, protection, and even friendship! The Druids attributed the flower to the meaning of life. Mistletoe would feed birds and they would be nourished and spread ensuring the continuing of life.
Mistletoe was also used in different rituals. The herb was used to bless unions such as marriages. It’s even said if you befriend someone in the presence of it you’re blessed. Like the Druids mistletoe encourages us to make peace and maintain harmony which is why we have it around during the holidays. However, of course, it is said that it’s good luck to kiss underneath it.
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WORKS CITED
Corey Williams Updated November 12, and Corey Williams. “The Gingerbread Man Story: Here's the History Behind the Fairy Tale.” MyRecipes, www.myrecipes.com/holidays-and-occasions/christmas-recipes/gingerbread-man-story.
History.com Editors. “Santa Claus.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 16 Feb. 2010, www.history.com/topics/christmas/santa-claus.
Mistletoe Its History, Meaning and Traditions, www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/mistletoe.htm.
Sterkenberg, Written by Zack. “The Origins of the Poinsettia: A Long, Strange Tale.” Greener on the Inside, www.ambius.com/blog/the-long-strange-tale-of-the-poinsettia-in-christmas-lore/.